Worsley Apologises for Gordon's Gaffe

Folkestone and Hythe Parliamentary Candidate Donald Worsley has apologised unreservedly for Labour leader Gordon Brown’s widely publicised remarks about Gillian Duffy.

Mr Brown faced questions from Mrs Duffy while campaigning in Rochdale. Mrs Duffy asked Mr Brown about Eastern Europeans flocking to the U.K.

Whilst in his car after the encounter Mr Brown referred to the meeting as a “disaster” and called Ms Duffy “a bigoted woman”, comments which were picked up by a microphone still on his person, sparking a media firestorm.

In a press release sent out yesterday afternoon, Mr Worsley states:

‘On behalf of Folkestone & Hythe Labour Party I apologise unreservedly to the people of this great Constituency for Gordon Brown’s offensive remarks about Mrs Gillian Duffy.                    

‘His off camera remarks were unacceptable and shamed the whole Labour movement. Calling her a “bigoted women” was inexcusable, whether to an aide in the back of a car or in front of the cameras.’

Addressing the issues around Sangatte or illegal entry into the country by economic refuges is what we should all be concentrating on, not calling each other names or slagging off hard working foreign workers here lawfully to help our economy prosper.

Mrs Duffy and others that share her views have the right to be heard with respect at all times. To do otherwise would make us no better than Nazi Germany or Stalinist Russia.’

This quickly became the lead story of the day. Mr Brown later visited Ms Duffy to apologise. This latest media frenzy will not help Mr Brown, who is noted for not having the smooth media presentation skills of rivals David Cameron and Nick Clegg.

Locally this may impact Mr Worsley’s share of the vote but his chances of winning in Folkestone and Hythe area at best remote, with Labour regularly finishing a distant third to the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. Conservative Damian Collins is the clear favourite for the seat.